You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book...but I don't know if it fits in the romance category for me, because the focus of the book is definitely on the found family aspects, which I loved. While Emmeline and Will's relationship does change and develop through the story, I felt like it was mostly just told rather than shown because the focus were on the kids and the plot of trying to keep track of all the lies. I didn't love the addition of the older brother, though it did add extra conflict--that part slowed down the pacing for me. However, for people looking for closed door, lighthearted Regency stories with a lot of found family love, this would be my rec!
Emmeline and William have had a marriage of convenience for 8yrs and now a lie Emmeline told long ago has caught up to them and in order to remain living in their home they must immediately produce heirs that are of the correct age. Hence the plan to “borrow” two children from an orphanage to pass off as their children for the big party her grandfather insists on having with all his relatives. With more complications than they initially planned for, Emmeline and William must work together to achieve their goal and along the way they learn more about themselves in the process.
I’m not sure regency romances are for me even though there wasn’t a whole lot of romance happening in this book. The romance storyline was a secondary subplot to the children’s antics and the predicament they were in. I don’t think there was a romantic connection between Emmeline and William past fondness and appreciation; almost like they are just good friends. I wish there was more of a connection or desire for them to be together. I did like how the children changed their relationship with each other and I liked their relationship with the kids.
Overall I liked it but I don’t think I’m the right audience for it. Someone who’s a fan of regency romances will definitely enjoy it.
Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot was clever, but the writing was simple and boring. I had to force myself to finish this and I only did so because I purchased the book. The last two chapters were entertaining. This is a book that could be more enjoyable as a movie.
I just want to start by saying that this book is not steamy but it is sweet. A perfect palette cleanser.
Eight years ago, Emmeline asked William Pershing to marry her. She was desperate to not lose her childhood home and proposed a marriage of convenience, listing all the benefits their union would bring. Will agreed. Of course, the Duke of Welshire, her grandfather, had stipulations. They had five years to produce heirs in order to hold on to her family estate.
Meanwhile, Will has enjoyed his wife's hosting/planning abilities which have helped advance his career. When their attempts to have children were unsuccessful Will and Emme drifted into separate but content lives.
When Emme receives a summons to attend her grandfather's birthday celebration, he also demands the presence of their darling children. Panic sets in as Emme prepares to let her husband in on the two children she's invented, in order to fulfill their agreement. She's surprised when Will agrees to her plan of finding children they can borrow in order to keep from losing their home.
They borrow orphans George and Rose, who they have eight weeks to transform into their children.
The children add chaos and light-heartedness to their life something they never knew they were missing. This all brings Will and Emme closer as they begin to see each other in a different light.
Thank you so much to the author and St. Martin's for this ARC to review.
Eight years ago, Emmeline asked William Pershing to marry her. She was desperate to not lose her childhood home and proposed a marriage of convenience, listing all the benefits their union would bring. Will agreed. Of course, the Duke of Welshire, her grandfather, had stipulations. They had five years to produce heirs in order to hold on to her family estate.
Meanwhile, Will has enjoyed his wife's hosting/planning abilities which have helped advance his career. When their attempts to have children were unsuccessful Will and Emme drifted into separate but content lives.
When Emme receives a summons to attend her grandfather's birthday celebration, he also demands the presence of their darling children. Panic sets in as Emme prepares to let her husband in on the two children she's invented, in order to fulfill their agreement. She's surprised when Will agrees to her plan of finding children they can borrow in order to keep from losing their home.
They borrow orphans George and Rose, who they have eight weeks to transform into their children.
The children add chaos and light-heartedness to their life something they never knew they were missing. This all brings Will and Emme closer as they begin to see each other in a different light.
Thank you so much to the author and St. Martin's for this ARC to review.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🌶 the only thing that would make this better is some SPICE! Seriously, a 5-star read if it had some 🌶🌶🌶
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
CW- assumed infertility, glossing over adoption issues
Fmc has invented 2 children to keep the home she lives due to a convoluted inheritance contract her family has. Mmc is in love with his wife, knows both about fictional children, because he has let her friend zone him in their marriage.
Hugely problematic issues with how they deal with the emotions and stability of the fake kids they ‘borrow’ to keep their lie alive.
I’m glad I finished it because it helped me remember that when all these issues started the mcs were very sheltered 20 yos. That said, I honestly would have felt better if they had to deal with more personal consequences. The fallout affecting the staff and the kids is used as a reason to not let this happen.
I didn’t finish the book liking the mcs, but that’s ok. I did feel like they grew some.
Fmc has invented 2 children to keep the home she lives due to a convoluted inheritance contract her family has. Mmc is in love with his wife, knows both about fictional children, because he has let her friend zone him in their marriage.
Hugely problematic issues with how they deal with the emotions and stability of the fake kids they ‘borrow’ to keep their lie alive.
I’m glad I finished it because it helped me remember that when all these issues started the mcs were very sheltered 20 yos. That said, I honestly would have felt better if they had to deal with more personal consequences. The fallout affecting the staff and the kids is used as a reason to not let this happen.
I didn’t finish the book liking the mcs, but that’s ok. I did feel like they grew some.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Infertility, Classism